07/30/2025
DID YOU KNOW that gerbils LOVE hay? As omnivores it is not essential to their diet, but it sure is appreciated and is great for enrichment. It is sometimes referred to as “gerbil catnip!” (Gerbilnip?) They chew it up and add it to their nests. The roughage seems to help with digestive issues in certain cases. Timothy, oat, meadow, and botanical hay varieties are all great choices. Alfalfa hay is too high in protein and calcium to give regularly to anyone except pups and pregnant/nursing moms. Buy hay that is sold specifically for small animals (such as from a pet store) instead of for farm animals or put it in the freezer overnight to kill off outside parasites. Stuff hay in cardboard tubes or boxes to serve, or just throw it right in the tank, and let the party begin! Do you give your gerbils hay? What type(s) do you give, and do you have any fun ideas for giving it?